NURSE 201 EXAM 1- INTRAVENOUS THERAPY Q&A
STUDY GUIDE WITH COMPLETE SOLUTION!!
1. What are the main indications for intravenous (IV) therapy?
IV therapy is used to maintain adequate hydration, replace fluid losses, prevent
fluid deficits in patients at risk, and provide a direct route for medication
administration into the bloodstream.
2. What are crystalloids and when are they used?
Crystalloids are solutions containing water and dissolved electrolytes. They are
inexpensive, rapidly restore fluid balance, and are available as hypo-, iso-, or
hypertonic solutions depending on patient needs.
3. What characterizes colloid solutions?
Colloids are plasma expanders containing large molecules such as proteins. They
increase intravascular volume and oncotic pressure, making them useful for
patients who require rapid volume expansion. Examples include blood products,
5% albumin, and dextran 75 (often used in severe blood loss).
4. What are hypertonic solutions and their clinical use?
Hypertonic solutions have an osmolarity greater than 300 mOsm/L. They pull fluid
from the intracellular space into the vascular system. Common examples include
,D10W (10% dextrose in water) and D50W (50% dextrose in water). They are used
cautiously, often in cases of severe hypoglycemia or specific fluid imbalances.
5. What defines an isotonic solution?
Isotonic solutions range from 270–300 mOsm/L and do not shift fluid between
compartments. They remain in the bloodstream and are used for hydration and
blood volume support. Examples include Normal Saline (NS), Lactated Ringers
(LR), and D5W (initially acts isotonic).
6. What are hypotonic solutions and when should they be avoided?
Hypotonic solutions have an osmolarity below 270 mOsm/L and cause water to
move into cells. Examples include 0.45% NaCl and 0.225% NaCl. They should not
be given to patients with increased intracranial pressure because they can worsen
cerebral swelling.
7. What are the common methods for administering IV fluids?
IV fluids can be given by:
Gravity infusion, measured in drops per minute (gtt/min)
Electronic pumps, which deliver fluid in mL/hr
, Smart infusion devices, including PCA pumps and syringe pumps
8. When is a 24–26 gauge IV catheter used?
These are the smallest and shortest IV catheters. They are ideal for infants and
small children and for low-viscosity fluids, but blood transfusions will run more
slowly through them.
9. What therapies are appropriate for a 22 gauge catheter?
A 22-gauge catheter accommodates most IV therapies and can safely infuse blood.
10. Why is a 20 gauge catheter commonly used?
A 20-gauge catheter is suitable for nearly all IV therapies. It is the preferred
minimum size for many surgical procedures.
11. What is the purpose of an 18 gauge IV catheter?
An 18-gauge catheter is often used during surgery because it allows rapid infusion
of fluids. Adequate vein size is necessary.
12. When are large-bore catheters (14–16 gauge) used?
STUDY GUIDE WITH COMPLETE SOLUTION!!
1. What are the main indications for intravenous (IV) therapy?
IV therapy is used to maintain adequate hydration, replace fluid losses, prevent
fluid deficits in patients at risk, and provide a direct route for medication
administration into the bloodstream.
2. What are crystalloids and when are they used?
Crystalloids are solutions containing water and dissolved electrolytes. They are
inexpensive, rapidly restore fluid balance, and are available as hypo-, iso-, or
hypertonic solutions depending on patient needs.
3. What characterizes colloid solutions?
Colloids are plasma expanders containing large molecules such as proteins. They
increase intravascular volume and oncotic pressure, making them useful for
patients who require rapid volume expansion. Examples include blood products,
5% albumin, and dextran 75 (often used in severe blood loss).
4. What are hypertonic solutions and their clinical use?
Hypertonic solutions have an osmolarity greater than 300 mOsm/L. They pull fluid
from the intracellular space into the vascular system. Common examples include
,D10W (10% dextrose in water) and D50W (50% dextrose in water). They are used
cautiously, often in cases of severe hypoglycemia or specific fluid imbalances.
5. What defines an isotonic solution?
Isotonic solutions range from 270–300 mOsm/L and do not shift fluid between
compartments. They remain in the bloodstream and are used for hydration and
blood volume support. Examples include Normal Saline (NS), Lactated Ringers
(LR), and D5W (initially acts isotonic).
6. What are hypotonic solutions and when should they be avoided?
Hypotonic solutions have an osmolarity below 270 mOsm/L and cause water to
move into cells. Examples include 0.45% NaCl and 0.225% NaCl. They should not
be given to patients with increased intracranial pressure because they can worsen
cerebral swelling.
7. What are the common methods for administering IV fluids?
IV fluids can be given by:
Gravity infusion, measured in drops per minute (gtt/min)
Electronic pumps, which deliver fluid in mL/hr
, Smart infusion devices, including PCA pumps and syringe pumps
8. When is a 24–26 gauge IV catheter used?
These are the smallest and shortest IV catheters. They are ideal for infants and
small children and for low-viscosity fluids, but blood transfusions will run more
slowly through them.
9. What therapies are appropriate for a 22 gauge catheter?
A 22-gauge catheter accommodates most IV therapies and can safely infuse blood.
10. Why is a 20 gauge catheter commonly used?
A 20-gauge catheter is suitable for nearly all IV therapies. It is the preferred
minimum size for many surgical procedures.
11. What is the purpose of an 18 gauge IV catheter?
An 18-gauge catheter is often used during surgery because it allows rapid infusion
of fluids. Adequate vein size is necessary.
12. When are large-bore catheters (14–16 gauge) used?
